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What Will Help With Asthma

Know The 4 Steps Of Asthma First Aid

Help a child suffering from an asthma attack #FirstAid #PowerOfKindness

Its important for everyone in the community to know the 4 steps of asthma first aid.

One of the most common reliever medications in Australia is salbutamol, often known as your blue puffer. These are available over the counter from a chemist.

If you are not sure if someone is having an asthma attack, you can still use blue reliever medication because it is unlikely to cause harm.Call triple zero immediately if:

  • the person is not breathing
  • their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving
  • the person is having an asthma attack and theres no reliever medication available
  • the person is unsure if it is asthma
  • the person is known to have anaphylaxis. If this is the case, ALWAYS GIVE ADRENALINE AUTOINJECTOR FIRST, and then reliever, even if there are no skin symptoms.

Who Can Get Asthma

Anyone can develop asthma at any age. People with allergies or people exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to develop asthma. This includes secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke .

Statistics show that people assigned female at birth tend to have asthma more than people assigned male at birth. Asthma affects Black people more frequently than other races.

Help Manage Your Cats Condition

Although there are several home remedies for cat asthma, medication is still the most important part of your cats asthma treatment. These natural remedies should be used to help manage your cats condition but should not be used as standalone treatment.

If you are concerned with side effects of medication, talk to your vet about using inhaled medications in conjunction with the AeroKat* Chamber to keep your cat safe.

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Pick Your Cleaning Products Wisely

Getting rid of dust, mold, dirt, and pet hair is important, but it matters what you use to clean.

Stick with natural cleaners as much as possible, as many commercial cleaning products are considered respiratory irritants that can cause inflammation in your lungs, leading to more asthma flare-ups, according to a 2021 study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.

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Will Medicine Help Me Breathe Better When I Exercise

Why does asthma make it difficult to breathe? â How It Works

Yes. Exercising, particularly in cold air, may cause airway swelling or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction . Quick-relief asthma medicines, taken before exercise, usually control this. If you need repeated doses of quick-relief medicine during and after exercise talk with your doctor. Your medicines may need to be adjusted. Thanks to these medicines, many Olympic and professional athletes have successful sports careers even with their asthma.

It is important for everyone, including people with asthma, to be as active as possible for good health. Talk with your doctor about how you can be physically active while keeping your asthma well-controlled.

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How Can I Manage My Child’s Asthma

For most kids with asthma, their symptoms can be controlled sometimes so well that flare-ups are rare. But learning about asthma can be the hardest part of asthma care.

Don’t be discouraged. Learn as much as you can, talk to others living with asthma, read up on asthma, and discuss any concerns with your child’s doctor.

Once you and your family are used to dealing with asthma, it will become a normal part of your routine. These tips can put you on the right path.

Figure : Stepwise Approach To Asthma Management For Adults And Children 12 Years And Up1

ICS=inhaled corticosteroids, LABA=long-acting beta agonists, LAMA=Long-acting muscarinic antagonists, LTRA=Leukotriene receptor antagonists, SABA=short-acting beta agonistsAdditional Figure 1 notes

  • Every step: Reduce exposure to triggers, exercise, eat healthy, and manage stress
  • Steps 2, 3, and 4: Consider immunotherapy for allergies
  • Steps 5 and 6: Consider adding asthma biologics

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What Asthma Treatment Options Are There

You have options to help manage your asthma. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to control symptoms. These include:

  • Bronchodilators: These medicines relax the muscles around your airways. The relaxed muscles let the airways move air. They also let mucus move more easily through the airways. These medicines relieve your symptoms when they happen and are used for intermittent and chronic asthma.
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines: These medicines reduce swelling and mucus production in your airways. They make it easier for air to enter and exit your lungs. Your healthcare provider may prescribe them to take every day to control or prevent your symptoms of chronic asthma.
  • Biologic therapies for asthma: These are used for severe asthma when symptoms persist despite proper inhaler therapy.

You can take asthma medicines in several different ways. You may breathe in the medicines using a metered-dose inhaler, nebulizer or another type of asthma inhaler. Your healthcare provider may prescribe oral medications that you swallow.

Figure : Stepwise Approach To Asthma Management For Children Ages 0

How does asthma work? – Christopher E. Gaw

ICS=inhaled corticosteroids, LABA=long-acting beta agonists, SABA=short-acting beta agonistsAdditional Figure 3 notes

  • Every step: Reduce exposure to triggers, exercise, eat healthy, and manage stress
  • Steps 2, 3, and 4: Consider immunotherapy for allergies
  • Steps 5 and 6: Consider adding asthma biologics

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Therapies Where More Evidence Is Needed

There are quite a lot of complementary therapies that some people believe help with asthma, from herbal medicine to muscle exercises and dietary supplements. But often there is not enough evidence of how well they work for healthcare professionals to recommend them. This does not mean that they don’t work, just that we don’t know enough yet to consider them reliable for treating asthma.

CBD oils

There’s been quite a lot of interest in cannabis products recently, particularly cannabidiol oils.

A recent study suggests that cannabidiol might be able to reduce inflammation, but it will be some time before research is clear enough for experts to make any recommendations for people with asthma.

According to the NHS, most cannabis products will contain a certain amount of THC, the chemical that gets you high. The risks of using products containing THC are currently unclear but could include mental disturbances and dependency .

Cannabis-based products sold online may be illegal in the UK and potentially dangerous. Health stores can sell legal products containing CBD, but there’s no guarantee they will be of good quality or have any beneficial effect.

Warning

Smoking cannabis can cause long-term lung damage, repeated coughs, and can increase your risk of getting chest infections. Long-term use of cannabis can cause bronchitis and block your airways.

Propolis

Chinese herbal medicine

Anyone can report suspected side effects of herbal medicines via the Yellow Card scheme.

Vitamin C

How Do You Monitor Asthma Symptoms

You should keep track of your asthma symptom. Its an important piece of managing the disease. Your healthcare provider may ask to use a peak flow meter. This device measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. It can help your provider make adjustments to your medication. It also tells you if your symptoms are getting worse.

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Other Tips For Exercising With Asthma

In addition to choosing less strenuous activities, you can also follow these tips to reduce your asthma symptoms:

  • Use an inhaler before exercise. Your doctor can prescribe a rescue inhaler as a pre-exercise treatment. These inhaled medications will relax the airways, making it easier to breathe during physical activity.
  • Take medication for long-term control. If a pre-exercise inhaler doesnt manage your symptoms, you may be given another medication. This could include oral drugs or additional inhalers that decrease airway inflammation.
  • Warm up and cool down. Always warm up before exercise to let your body adjust. When youre done, gradually stop the activity.
  • Wear a mask or scarf. Cover your nose and mouth when its cold outside. The dryness of cool air can tighten your airways.
  • Limit your exposure to pollen and pollution. If youre allergic to pollen, exercise inside when pollen levels are high. Stay in areas with minimal air pollution.
  • Avoid sports with continuous activity. Basketball, soccer, and long-distance running can be hard on the lungs if your asthma is poorly controlled. Avoid sports that are done in the cold, like cross-country skiing and hockey.

Most importantly, take breaks as necessary.

You should also ask your doctor what you should do if you have an asthma attack while exercising. By having a plan in place, you can workout with confidence.

How Do Healthcare Providers Diagnose Asthma

Get ready for asthma and allergy âPeak Weekâ

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, including information about your parents and siblings. Your provider will also ask you about your symptoms. Your provider will need to know any history of allergies, eczema and other lung diseases.

Your provider may order spirometry. This test measures airflow through your lungs and is used to diagnose and monitor your progress with treatment. Your healthcare provider may order a chest X-ray, blood test or skin test.

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Using A Natural Remedy Arsenal For Asthma

Asthma symptoms are a nuisance at best and dangerous at worse. Luckily there are some natural remedies for asthma that can help you prevent the onset of asthma symptoms for you or your child, and make daily life more enjoyable.

Do you or a family member suffer from asthma? What remedies work best for you?

  • Wood, L. G., Garg, M. L., Blake, R. J., Garcia-Caraballo, S., & Gibson, P. G. . Airway and circulating levels of carotenoids in asthma and healthy controls. Retrieved from
  • Matsui, E. C., & Matsui, W. . Retrieved from
  • The effects of vitamin C on asthma should be also be studied. . Retrieved from
  • Hill, J., Micklewright, A., Lewis, S., & Britton, J. . Investigation of the effect of short-term change in dietary magnesium intake in asthma. Retrieved from
  • Role of omega-3 fatty acids and their metabolites in asthma and allergic diseases. . Retrieved from
  • Lucas, S. R., & Platts-Mills, T. A. . Physical activity and exercise in asthma: Relevance to etiology and treatment. Retrieved from
  • Breathing exercises for asthma. . Retrieved from
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    Fresh Fruits And Vegetables

    If you’re looking for a way to improve your diet while living with asthma, incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables is a great place to start. Not only are they low in calories to promote a healthy weight, but they also contain essential nutrients that can support a healthy lung function.

    Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamins C and E. Studies have shown diets high in fruits and vegetables, especially apples and oranges, can reduce the risk of developing asthma and reduce wheezing.

    Bananas may also decrease the incidence of wheezing in children due to their antioxidant and potassium content, which can improve lung function.

    Other important fruits and vegetables to include in your diet include broccoli, berries, leafy greens, melon, and avocado.

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    Figure : Stepwise Approach To Asthma Management For Children Ages 5

    ICS=inhaled corticosteroids, LABA=long-acting beta agonists, LTRA=Leukotriene receptor antagonists, SABA=short-acting beta agonistsAdditional Figure 2 notes

    • Every step: Reduce exposure to triggers, exercise, eat healthy, and manage stress
    • Steps 2, 3, and 4: Consider immunotherapy for allergies
    • Steps 5 and 6: Consider adding asthma biologics

    How Is Asthma Treated

    Asthma Treatment, Symptoms, Pathophysiology, Nursing Interventions NCLEX Review Lecture

    Asthma medicines play a central role in the asthma management. Some medications prevent or reduce airway inflammation. Others interrupt the allergic reaction that triggers symptoms. Some relieve coughing and wheezing, making it easier to breathe.

    Your doctor will work with you to find the right combination of medicines for optimal asthma control. They will adjust the type and amount based on your symptoms and the type of asthma that you have. The goal of asthma treatment is to have you feel your best with the least amount of medicine needed to control asthma.

    Get to know your medications.

    Understand how and why they treat and soothe your lungs and airways. If youre prescribed an inhaler, ask for one with a dose counter. Learn when and how youre supposed to use your inhaler and follow your plan to better breathing.

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    Caffeinated Tea Or Coffee

    The caffeine in black or green tea and coffee is believed to help treat asthma. It works similarly to the popular asthma medication theophylline, which opens up the airways.

    A 2010 research review, the most recent available, found that caffeine may slightly improve breathing function in people with asthma for up to 4hours.

    Still, there isnt enough evidence to show whether caffeine can improve asthma symptoms.

    Additional Treatment To Manage Symptoms

    Most asthma is well controlled by lifestyle changes and medications. However, in some cases, other treatment may be recommended.

    Bronchial thermoplasty is used for severe asthma that is not improved with inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma medications. Bronchial thermoplasty involves heating the inside of the airways using an electrode. This reduces the smooth muscle inside the airways, which limits their ability to constrict. This makes breathing easier and can reduce asthma attacks.

    Bronchial thermoplasty is performed over a series of 3 outpatient visits.

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    What Medications Should Be Avoided With Asthma

    Asthma is a respiratory disease that causes persistent wheezing and breathlessness, in addition to the coughing and mucus production that most people are familiar with. Asthma is usually treated by inhalers containing steroids or bronchodilators. These medications should be used for a week or less to avoid the development of resistance and unpleasant side effects. Overuse of asthma medication can lead to a reduction in lung function and an increased risk of respiratory failure..

    The Basics Of An Asthma Attack

    Asthma Treatment

    An asthma attack occurs when your body overreacts to something that triggers an asthma response. The airways that bring oxygen to your lungs become swollen and clogged with mucus as a result of this overreaction. This can make breathing difficult and lead to a medical emergency.

    There are many different types of asthma, including allergic and non-allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma, accounting for about 60% of cases. Non-allergic asthma is less common, but it can be life-threatening, too. An asthma attack can happen suddenly, at any time.

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    When To Seek Medical Help

    Often, a rescue inhaler is enough to treat an asthma attack.

    If youre unable to get your asthma attack under control, you may need to seek emergency medical attention. Go to the nearest ER if you experience any of the following symptoms:

    • extreme shortness of breath or wheezing, especially in the morning or at night
    • needing to strain your chest muscles to breathe
    • symptoms not subsiding after youve used a rescue inhaler
    • having difficulty speaking

    What Is The Best Antihistamine For Asthma

    The best antihistamine for asthma treatment is loratadine , which is less sedating than other antihistamines like Benadryl. Antihistamines have been used to treat asthma symptoms for decades. They are most commonly used to treat the symptoms of an allergic reaction. They block histamine, a cell-signaling molecule that triggers allergy symptoms. Most antihistamines also work against some viruses and parasites, making them useful for other conditions as well..

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    Create An Asthma Action Plan

    An asthma action plan is a written treatment plan that describes the following:

    • How to identify allergens or irritants to avoid
    • How to know if you are having an asthma attack and what to do
    • Which medicines to take and when to take them
    • When to call your doctor or go to the emergency room
    • Who to contact in an emergency

    Watch the video or download a sample Asthma Action Plan.

    Personal Asthma Action Plan

    Understanding Asthma: Mild, Moderate, and Severe

    As part of your initial assessment, you should be encouraged to draw up a personal asthma action plan with your GP or asthma nurse.

    If you’ve been admitted to hospital because of an asthma attack, you should be offered an action plan before you go home.

    The action plan should include information about your asthma medicines, and will help you recognise when your symptoms are getting worse and what steps to take. You should also be given information about what to do if you have an asthma attack.

    Your personal asthma action plan should be reviewed with your GP or asthma nurse at least once a year, or more frequently if your symptoms are severe.

    As part of your asthma plan, you may be given a peak flow meter. This will give you another way of monitoring your asthma, rather than relying only on symptoms, so you can recognise deterioration earlier and take appropriate steps.

    Read further information:

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    Signs That You Need To Use Asthma First Aid

    If you are experiencing any of the following signs, follow your asthma action plan. If you do not have an asthma action plan, or you are assisting someone who is experiencing an asthma attack, start asthma first aid. Do not wait until asthma is severe.

    Mild to moderate asthma signs :

    • able to talk in full sentences
    • able to walk or move around
    • may have a cough or wheeze.

    Severe asthma signs :

    • cannot speak a full sentence in one breath
    • tugging of the skin between ribs or at base of neck
    • may have cough or wheeze
    • reliever medication not lasting as long as usual.

    Life-threatening asthma signs :

    • getting little or no relief from reliever inhaler
    • may no longer have wheeze or cough.

    In asthma emergencies, follow your asthma action plan.

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